Pastor Catherine Snow Heard, a resident of Indianapolis, IN and native of West Point, GA, died Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis, IN.

Funeral Services are scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. (EST) from Pilgrim Baptist Church, 420 N. 12th Avenue, Lanett, AL, Rev. Frederick James, Ph.D., Pastor, Rev. Dr. Keith Moore, Officiant, and Bishop Donald Lancaster, Eulogist.

Interment will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery, 3202 Country Club Road, Lanett, AL. Davis Memorial Mortuary of Valley directing.

Public Viewing is scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Davis Memorial Mortuary Chapel.

A Life of Faith, Service, and Music

Early Life and Faith

Mrs. Catherine Snow Heard also known as “Cat” was born on July 13,
1955, in West Point, Georgia, to Mr. Gene Lipscomb and Mrs. Arrie “Lucy”
Snow. She passed away at Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis,
Indiana, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, after an extended hospital stay.

From a young age, Catherine was steadfast in her faith, becoming a
member of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church in Lanett, Alabama. She actively
participated in both the choir and the youth department. Later, she joined
Miracle Revival Temple in Lanett and LaFayette, Alabama, under the
leadership of the late Pastor Sarah C. Dunn.

Education and Professional Journey
Catherine received her education in the Lanett City School System and
attended Lanier High School, the only school in the Greater Valley area
that served Black students during segregation. While at Lanier High, she
was involved in the marching band. After high school, she worked briefly at
West Point Pepperell before relocating to Indianapolis, Indiana. There, she
earned her degree from Indiana Barber College, successfully completing
1,500 hours of training to prepare for the state’s practical and written
examinations. Upon graduation, Catherine put her skills in haircutting,
styling, facial shaving, sanitation and safety to use by instructing others
and launching a prison ministry that offered complimentary haircuts and
styling services within the Indianapolis penal system.

Ministry and Community Service
Pastor Cathy began her ministry more than 27 years ago under the guidance
of Rev. Shep Banks at Greater Shepherd Missionary Baptist Church in
Indianapolis, Indiana. In recent years, she continued her ministerial
development through mentorship with the late Pastor Roy Mother Lucille
Luster of Upper Room Apostolic Church, also in Indianapolis. This
mentorship led to the founding of Blessed House of Prayer Church, Inc.,
which operated in both Indianapolis, Indiana, and LaGrange, Georgia.
Blessed House served the community through a variety of ministries,
including the Blessed House of Prayer Daycare Ministry and the Blessed
House of Prayer Food Bank, which provided bi-weekly food pantry
distributions and a dedicated Senior Citizens food ministry. Blessed House
partnered with Gleaners’ Food Bank, Indiana’s largest food bank, for over
15 years, delivering substantial quantities of food annually to families
facing financial hardship. Pastor Cathy also worked with Channel 6 News
on the Toys-for-Tots program, supplying toys each year to families in need.
Additionally, Blessed House was recognized by the state’s 911 help hotline
as a resource for infants and families, offering support with food, diapers,
clothing, utilities, and housing.

Recognition and Achievements
Pastor Cathy’s dedicated service was acknowledged by the State of Indiana,
where she has received commendations from Congressman Andre Carson,
the U.S. Representative for Indiana 7th Congressional District, Indiana
Secretary of State, and the Governor. Pastor Cathy was also honored as a
special guest at the Annual Prayer Breakfast hosted by the State of Indiana.

Music Ministry
Pastor Cathy was deeply committed to music ministry. She established two
children’s choirs in Lanett, Alabama, and Indianapolis, Indiana. She was an
active member of gospel groups including the Corinthians Singers and Ben
and the Sounds of Salvation, both based in Indianapolis. In addition to her
participation, she composed numerous songs, with “By the Spirit” being
her most acclaimed work.

Family and Legacy
Pastor Cathy was predeceased by her parents, Mr. Willie Gene Lipscomb
and Mrs. Arrie “Lucy” Snow; three brothers—Arthur Snow, Andre Snow,
and Rodney Snow—and four sisters: Twyla Snow Wright, Carleen Snow-
Pitts, Charlotte Snow, and Suzanne Snow, who passed away in infancy.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Mr. Russell Heard; one
son, Jerald Bailey of Lanett, Alabama; three daughters: Michell Wright
of LaGrange, Georgia, Shermika Duerson of Charlotte, North Carolina,
and Philecia Jones Liste of Indianapolis, Indiana; thirteen grandchildren:
Amarri, Tiara, Isaiah, Micaela, Jeremiah, Ako, Naomi, Alicia, Kedara,
Elijah, Caleb, Daveon, and Tamyra; nine great-grandchildren: Zailin, Noah,
Alexander, Sophia, Micah, Kehlani, Jayce, Kalli, and Kristian; one brother,
Willie (Damita) Snow of Reston, Virginia; four sisters: Angelavonne Snow
of Atlanta, Georgia, Sandra Rosser and Melody Snow, both of Indianapolis,
Indiana, and Monique (Perry) Summers of Valley, Alabama; mother-in-law,
Ms. Lula Heard of West Point, Georgia; one sister-in-law; three brothers-
in-law; along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, and
friends.

Funeral Services by Davis Memorial Mortuary of Valley.